Graphic Designer at Costello Medical

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer

Company: Costello Medical

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-28T15:27:49.125

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with an expectation of 3 days in-office post-probation)

🚀 Role Summary

This hybrid Graphic Designer role at Costello Medical focuses on creating compelling visual content for clients within the healthcare sector, spanning from initial concept to final production.
The position requires a strong understanding of data visualization and scientific communication, with opportunities to contribute to both commercial and pro bono projects.
Key responsibilities include developing engaging content like infographics and event materials, collaborating with project managers, and ensuring high-quality, timely delivery.
The role offers significant autonomy and creativity, with potential involvement in motion graphics, digital projects, video editing, and eLearning modules, depending on the candidate's skillset.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data categorizes this as a "Graphic Designer" role, the detailed responsibilities and industry context (healthcare sector, medical communications, data visualization) suggest a specialization that could appeal to operations professionals interested in client-facing creative output and project lifecycle management within a specialized agency. The emphasis on concept development, project scope definition, and stakeholder collaboration aligns with GTM operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conceptualize and develop a wide range of visually appealing creative materials, including infographics, posters, event materials, and digital assets, for both internal teams and external healthcare clients.
Collaborate closely with project managers, other designers, and clients from the project's inception to define design scope, objectives, and strategic approach, ensuring alignment with client needs and project goals.
Produce high-quality design deliverables, providing technical insight and guidance throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept to full production.
Ensure all creative projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, demonstrating strong project execution and process adherence.
Act as a key point of contact for design-related queries, clearly communicating project requirements and offering technical insight to project teams and stakeholders.
Contribute to the enhancement of the company's creative service offerings by bringing innovative ideas and a problem-solving mindset to project challenges.
Support pro bono work for charities and the public sector, demonstrating a commitment to using design skills for meaningful impact within healthcare.
Potentially contribute to motion graphics, digital interactive materials, video editing, animations, and the creation of eLearning modules, based on individual skillset and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the project management, client collaboration, and process-oriented aspects inherent in a full-cycle creative role within a professional services environment like Costello Medical. The emphasis on "defining project scope and objectives" and "ensuring all projects are completed on time, within budget" are critical operations-adjacent activities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree-level or higher qualification in a design-related discipline (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) is essential. This includes, but is not limited to, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Art, Digital Communications, Graphic Communication Design, and Marketing.

Experience: Proven experience working in an agency or commercial environment is required. Previous experience in the healthcare or medical communications sector is a strong advantage.

Required Skills:

Extensive proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator.
Familiarity with the broader Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software.
Demonstrated ability to generate, execute, and oversee a variety of creative concepts from ideation to completion.
A strong problem-solving mindset with the capacity for "outside the box" thinking and innovative solutions.
Confidence in presenting design work and strategic rationales to diverse audiences, including internal colleagues and external clients.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a high level of productivity and the flexibility to adapt to changing deadlines.
Ability to manage conflicting demands and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design work.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to build robust and sustainable working relationships with colleagues and clients.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with motion graphics software (e.g., Adobe After Effects).
Familiarity with video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro).
Experience in designing interactive materials for exhibitions or digital platforms.
Knowledge of eLearning module design principles and tools.
Understanding of data visualization best practices and principles.
Previous exposure to the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry.
Experience with project management methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" have been detailed to reflect the practical application of design software and creative conceptualization. "Preferred Skills" have been added to encompass the broader creative capabilities mentioned in the job description, such as motion graphics and eLearning, which are often managed or coordinated within GTM or operations functions. The portfolio requirement is emphasized as a critical component for assessing a candidate's practical capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A comprehensive and highly innovative portfolio, presented as a PDF or online link, is mandatory.
The portfolio should clearly demonstrate a range of creative concepts and their execution, showcasing the candidate's ability to handle diverse project types.
Evidence of successful collaboration and client interaction within project case studies is highly valued.
The portfolio should highlight the candidate's problem-solving approach and strategic thinking behind design decisions.

Process Documentation:

While not explicitly stated as a formal requirement, candidates are expected to articulate their design process, including initial concept development, client brief interpretation, iterative design, and final delivery.
The ability to "oversee a variety of creative concepts" implies an understanding of workflow management and process adherence.
Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they manage project scope, timelines, and feedback loops, demonstrating an inherent understanding of project lifecycle management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the "portfolio" as a key "process and systems" deliverable for a creative role. It interprets the job description's requirements for a strong portfolio and the implicit need to articulate a design process. For operations roles, a portfolio typically includes process documentation, system implementations, or metrics-driven improvements; here, it's about showcasing creative execution and workflow management within a design context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £28,000 to £33,000 per annum (outside of London). A London weighting of £860 per annum (£28,860 to £33,860) is applied for roles based in the London office. This range is dependent on the candidate's previous experience.

Benefits:

Financial: Discretionary profit share bonuses paid twice per year; Flexible benefits scheme offering cash payments, additional pension contributions, and more.
Work-Life Balance: Hybrid and flexible working options; Generous holiday allowance (25 days plus bank holidays); Holiday buy and sell scheme; Paid and unpaid sabbaticals based on length of service.
Health & Wellness: Private medical insurance with comprehensive cover on a “medical history disregard” basis; Critical illness cover; Income protection.
Professional Development: Full funding for external training; Paid study leave; Opportunities to work alongside experienced colleagues for one-to-one training.
Other: Life Assurance.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with flexible working hours. Post-probation, colleagues can work from home up to half of their time, measured across a 2-week rolling period. During the probationary period (typically the first 6 months), remote work is limited to 1 day per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly stated. The benefits list has been organized into logical categories to improve readability and highlight aspects relevant to work-life balance and professional growth, which are key considerations for operations professionals. The working hours and hybrid policy are detailed to provide clarity on the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Communications, Market Access, Health Economic and Outcomes Research (HEOR). Costello Medical operates within a highly regulated and scientific sector, requiring precision, accuracy, and strong ethical considerations in all communications.

Company Size: Costello Medical is a rapidly growing global healthcare agency. While specific employee numbers aren't listed, its global presence and multiple office locations (Cambridge, London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh) suggest a significant and expanding organization. This growth implies opportunities for career advancement and involvement in scaling operations.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company has been listed in the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list since 2017 and received B Corporation accreditation in 2022, indicating a strong commitment to employee well-being, social responsibility, and sustainable business practices.

Team Structure: The Graphic Designer will be part of the Creative team. This team likely comprises various creative specialists working collaboratively on client projects. The role involves close interaction with Project Managers, other designers, and potentially client-facing teams, indicating a cross-functional and project-based operational structure.

Methodology: Costello Medical emphasizes data visualization and the communication of scientific content. Their approach is data-driven, requiring designers to translate complex information into clear, accessible, and engaging visual formats. They also support pro bono work, suggesting a mission-driven operational approach alongside commercial objectives.

Company Website: https://www.costellomedical.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and focus on healthcare communications are critical context. The emphasis on "data visualization" and "communication of scientific content" is particularly relevant to operations professionals who often deal with complex data sets and require clear reporting and communication strategies. The company's awards and B Corp accreditation highlight a culture that values employee well-being and social impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced Graphic Designer, likely mid-level, within the Creative Operations function. It offers a pathway for individuals with 2-5 years of relevant experience to deepen their expertise in healthcare communications design and project execution.

Reporting Structure: The Graphic Designer will report to a lead within the Creative team, potentially a Creative Director or Senior Designer. They will collaborate closely with Project Managers across various client projects, indicating a matrixed reporting structure common in agency environments where project success is paramount.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is primarily on client satisfaction and the successful delivery of high-quality creative assets that effectively communicate complex scientific information. This directly supports the company's revenue generation by enhancing client proposals, marketing materials, and event presence, thereby contributing to client retention and new business acquisition within the healthcare sector.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare-specific design, data visualization, motion graphics, or eLearning development.
Project Leadership: Progress to leading design elements within larger projects or taking on more complex client briefs.
Mentorship: Opportunity to receive one-to-one training from senior colleagues on technical aspects, project management, and client communication, fostering professional development.
Career Progression: Potential to advance into senior design roles, team lead positions within the Creative department, or even transition into roles focused on creative project management or operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the Graphic Designer role within an "Operations Career Level" context, focusing on the impact on revenue generation and client success. Growth opportunities are detailed with a view towards specialization and leadership within a creative operations framework, resonating with operations professionals' career aspirations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Costello Medical offers a hybrid work environment. While remote work is encouraged for up to half the working week post-probation, the company emphasizes the benefits of face-to-face time in the office to maintain its strong community culture. This suggests a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team interaction.

Office Location(s): The role is available in their Global Headquarters in Cambridge, as well as their London, Manchester, Bristol, and Edinburgh offices. This provides geographic flexibility for candidates within the UK. The Manchester office is specified in the job listing.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to foster community and belonging, implying regular team interactions, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration.
Tools & Technology: Candidates will likely have access to industry-standard design software and hardware in the office, alongside the ability to work remotely with their own setup. The company's focus on digital and motion projects suggests a modern technology stack.
Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct mentorship and knowledge sharing with experienced colleagues are highlighted, particularly for technical aspects, project management, and client communication.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time. Flexible working hours are offered, with a hybrid arrangement (up to 50% remote work post-probation) designed to balance individual needs with team collaboration and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" is tailored to highlight aspects relevant to operations professionals, such as collaboration, technology, and structured work schedules within a hybrid model. The emphasis on maintaining company culture through in-office presence is a key consideration for understanding the operational dynamics of the workplace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Application Submission: Submit CV, cover letter (explaining suitability and interest in Costello Medical with examples), and a PDF portfolio or online portfolio link.
Video Interview: A self-recorded video interview will be conducted and reviewed by the Talent Acquisition team.
Assessment: A take-home assessment will be administered if the video interview is successful.
Final Interview & Portfolio Review: Successful candidates will be invited for a final interview with senior members of the Creative team, which will include a formal portfolio review.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your skills in infographic design, brand development, and creative concept execution. Tailor your selection to highlight work relevant to the healthcare sector if possible.
Showcase Process: For each project, briefly describe the client brief, your role, the challenges faced, your design process, and the final outcome. Emphasize problem-solving and strategic thinking.
Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., increased engagement, improved clarity of information). For this role, focus on how your design effectively communicated complex scientific data or met client objectives.
Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Be prepared to walk the interviewers through specific projects and articulate your design rationale confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

Design Assessment: The take-home assessment will likely involve a practical design challenge, potentially requiring you to create a visual asset based on a given brief or data set.
Problem-Solving Focus: Be prepared to demonstrate your ability to interpret a brief, apply creative solutions, and work within constraints (time, information).
Communication: Practice articulating your thought process and design choices clearly and concisely, as this will be crucial for both the assessment and the final interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process details are broken down into actionable steps. The portfolio review tips are specifically tailored to a design role, emphasizing process, impact, and presentation, which can be adapted by operations candidates to highlight their project management and strategic thinking capabilities during portfolio presentations. The "challenge preparation" section highlights the practical, problem-solving nature of the assessment, akin to operations case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Adobe Creative Cloud: Extensive use of Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator is mandatory. Proficiency with other Adobe CC applications is expected.
Design & Layout Software: Core tools for creating visually compelling materials, ensuring brand consistency, and managing complex layouts for print and digital.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Designers will likely interact with project management software or internal systems to track project progress, deadlines, and client communications. Experience with any project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) would be advantageous for workflow integration.
Understanding of how creative assets integrate into broader marketing or communication campaigns managed through CRM or automation platforms could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Primary Tools" are explicitly stated as Adobe Creative Cloud suite, with a focus on InDesign and Illustrator. The "Analytics & Reporting" and "CRM & Automation" sections are interpreted broadly, assuming interaction with project management systems and a need for understanding how creative assets fit into wider business processes, which is a common interface point for operations roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality creative work that meets rigorous standards, particularly within the scientific and healthcare context.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together across creative and project management teams to achieve shared goals and foster a supportive community.
Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to enhance creative service offerings and effectively communicate complex information.
Client Focus & Service: Providing outstanding service to both internal teams and external clients, building strong, sustainable working relationships.
Impact & Purpose: A dedication to making a meaningful difference through design, supporting both commercial projects and pro bono initiatives for charities.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with project managers and other designers is central to the role, ensuring seamless project execution from concept to delivery.
Feedback & Iteration: The process involves early-stage collaboration and likely iterative feedback loops to refine designs and meet project objectives.
Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities for one-to-one training and working alongside experienced colleagues promote a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Values" are derived from the company's description and the role's emphasis on quality, collaboration, and impact. The "Collaboration Style" highlights the interdependencies and communication methods essential for effective teamwork in a project-driven environment, relevant to operations professionals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Translating Complex Data: The primary challenge involves effectively visualizing and communicating intricate scientific and healthcare data in a clear, engaging, and accurate manner for diverse audiences.
Balancing Creativity with Constraints: Working within client briefs, brand guidelines, regulatory considerations (where applicable in healthcare), and project deadlines requires a balance of creative freedom and structured execution.
Hybrid Work Integration: Successfully navigating the hybrid work model to maintain strong team cohesion, effective collaboration, and personal productivity.
Pace of Growth: Adapting to the rapid growth of the company and evolving client needs within the dynamic healthcare communications sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Specialized Training: Full funding for external qualifications and paid study leave provide avenues for developing advanced skills in specific design areas or related fields.
Mentorship: One-to-one training from senior team members offers practical guidance on technical skills, project management, and client communication strategies essential for career advancement.
Industry Exposure: Working with leading pharmaceutical and medical technology companies provides exposure to cutting-edge projects and industry best practices.
Pro Bono Work: Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects for charities and the public sector can broaden experience and personal fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the core competencies of the role and the agency environment. Growth opportunities are detailed to highlight pathways for skill enhancement and career progression, aligning with the proactive development sought by operations professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"Describe a complex scientific concept you've had to visualize. What was your approach, and what were the key challenges in making it understandable?" (Assesses data visualization skills, problem-solving, and communication clarity).
"Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you collaborated closely with a project manager or client. How did you manage the brief, feedback, and revisions to achieve a successful outcome?" (Evaluates collaboration, project management understanding, and client communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

"Why are you interested in Costello Medical, specifically within the healthcare communications sector, and how do your skills align with our mission?" (Assesses motivation, cultural fit, and understanding of the company's niche).
"How do you envision contributing to our creative team culture, particularly within a hybrid working environment?" (Gauges understanding of teamwork, collaboration, and adaptability to flexible work models).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure Your Narrative: For each selected project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution (design process), and the result. Use a storytelling approach to engage the interviewers.
Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: Emphasize the thinking behind your designs, not just the final visuals. Explain how you overcame challenges and met specific project objectives.
Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or client feedback to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work. For this role, this might relate to clarity of information, engagement levels, or successful event participation.
Visual Clarity & Conciseness: Ensure your presentation is clean, professional, and easy to follow. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your technical choices and creative decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe critical skills and align with the company's focus on healthcare communication and data visualization. The portfolio presentation strategy provides tactical advice relevant to showcasing design execution and strategic thinking, mirroring how operations candidates would present their project outcomes and process improvements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer position:

Submit your CV and a cover letter through the online application form. Your cover letter must clearly explain why you are suited to the role and why you wish to join Costello Medical, supported by specific examples.
Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your proficiency in Adobe InDesign and Illustrator, infographic design, and creative concept development suitable for a professional services context. Highlight any healthcare-related work.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly states the dates of all qualifications and grades achieved. Tailor your experience descriptions to emphasize project management aspects, client collaboration, and successful delivery of creative assets.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how your creative skills can contribute to effective medical communications. Prepare to discuss case studies from your portfolio in detail.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Costello Medical's website, understand their work in medical communications, market access, and HEOR, and familiarize yourself with their company culture and values, particularly their commitment to data visualization and client service.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Graphic Designer